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Chen QF, Chen S, Chen M, Lyu N, Zhao M. Improving the Conversion Success Rate of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Focus on the Use of Combination Therapy with a High Objective Response Rate. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:298-304. [PMID: 38426191 PMCID: PMC10899866 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The high mortality rate in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is partially due to the fact that a significant number of patients are diagnosed at an intermediate or advanced stage, with surgical treatment options unavailable. Conversion therapy, which involves both locoregional and systemic treatments, has the potential to downstage tumors in selected patients with initially unresectable HCC, thereby making surgical treatment a possibility and potentially increasing long-term survival. To optimize the conversion rate, it is necessary to maximize successful conversions and clearly define the target population for conversion treatment through a collaborative effort. In this review article, we summarize the clinical experience and evidence for conversion therapy in patients with 'potentially resectable' HCC from four perspectives: 1) defining the target population for conversion therapy, 2) selecting the appropriate conversion strategy, placing emphasis on the utilization of combination therapy that exhibits a significant objective response rate, 3) determining the timing and urgency of surgical resection, 4) promoting the adoption of a multidisciplinary team model. The authors are optimistic that with the continuous progress in treatment and a deeper understanding of HCC, the success rate of HCC conversion therapy will increase, and the overall survival of HCC patients will be prolonged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Feng Chen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Liver Cancer Study and Service Group, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Song Chen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Liver Cancer Study and Service Group, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minshan Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Lyu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Liver Cancer Study and Service Group, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Liver Cancer Study and Service Group, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Yang X, Zhang X, Yang Z, Cheng L, Liu X, Cao S, Yue H, Cao Y, Wang KN, Zhang Y. "Two-Stage Rocket-Propelled" Strategy Boosting Theranostic Efficacy with Mitochondria-Specific Type I-II Photosensitizers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:9816-9825. [PMID: 38381128 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great potential for tumor therapy. However, achieving the synergistic enhancement of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency and fluorescence emission of photosensitizers (PSs) remains a challenge, resulting in suboptimal image guidance and theranostic efficacy. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment also hinders the efficacy of PDT. Herein, we propose a "two-stage rocket-propelled" photosensitive system for tumor cell ablation. This system utilizes MitoS, a mitochondria-targeted PS, to ablate tumor cells. Importantly, MitoS can react with HClO to generate a more efficient PS, MitoSO, with a significantly improved fluorescence quantum yield. Both MitoS and MitoSO exhibit less O2-dependent type I ROS generation capability, inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis. In vivo PDT results confirm that this mitochondrial-specific type I-II cascade phototherapeutic strategy is a potent intervention for tumor downstaging. This study not only sheds light on the correlation between the PS structure and the ROS generation pathway but also proposes a novel and effective strategy for tumor downstaging intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucan Yang
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling,, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of PLA, Jinan, Shandong 250031, China
| | - Zhaoyi Yang
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling,, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lulu Cheng
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling,, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of PLA, Jinan, Shandong 250031, China
| | - Shixian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Haiyun Yue
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of PLA, Jinan, Shandong 250031, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of PLA, Jinan, Shandong 250031, China
| | - Kang-Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yanrong Zhang
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling,, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Vitale A, Angelico R, Sensi B, Lai Q, Kauffmann E, Scalera I, Serenari M, Ginesini M, Romano P, Furlanetto A, D'Amico F. What Is the Role of Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery in Treating Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Cirrhosis? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:966. [PMID: 38473327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) has been slowly introduced in the past two decades and today represents a major weapon in the fight against HCC, for several reasons. This narrative review conveys the major emerging concepts in the field. The rise in metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related HCC means that patients with significant cardiovascular risk will benefit more profoundly from MILS. The advent of efficacious therapy is leading to conversion from non-resectable to resectable cases, and therefore more patients will be able to undergo MILS. In fact, resection outcomes with MILS are superior compared to open surgery both in the short and long term. Furthermore, indications to surgery may be further expanded by its use in Child B7 patients and by the use of laparoscopic ablation, a curative technique, instead of trans-arterial approaches in cases not amenable to radiofrequency. Therefore, in a promising new approach, multi-parametric treatment hierarchy, MILS is hierarchically superior to open surgery and comes second only to liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, Padua University, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Roberta Angelico
- Transplant and HPB Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Sensi
- Transplant and HPB Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Quirino Lai
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, AUO Policlinico I of Rome, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Kauffmann
- Division of General and Transplant Surgery, Pisa University, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Scalera
- Unità di Chirurgia Epatobiliare e Trapianti di Fegato, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Serenari
- General Surgery and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michael Ginesini
- Division of General and Transplant Surgery, Pisa University, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Romano
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, Padua University, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Furlanetto
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, Padua University, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Amico
- Unità di Chirurgia Epatobiliare e Trapianti di Fegato, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Ma YN, Jiang X, Liu H, Song P, Tang W. Conversion therapy for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Current status and prospects. Biosci Trends 2024; 17:415-426. [PMID: 38143080 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2023.01322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Research has shown that locoregional and/or systemic treatments can reduce the tumor stage, enabling radical surgical resection in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. This is referred to as conversion therapy. Patients who undergo conversion therapy followed by curative surgery experience a significant survival benefit compared to those who receive chemotherapy alone, those who are successfully downstaged with conversion therapy but not treated with surgery, or those who are treated with upfront surgery. Several treatments have been studied as conversion therapy. However, the success rate of conversion varies greatly, ranging from 0.8% to 60%. Combined locoregional plus systemic conversion therapy has demonstrated significant clinical advantages, with a conversion rate of up to 60%, an objective remission rate of 96% for patients, and a disease control rate of up to 100%. However, patients who underwent conversion therapy experienced significantly more complications than those who underwent direct LR without conversion therapy. Conversion therapy can cause hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, local adhesions, increased fragility of blood vessels and liver tissues, and hepatic edema, which can increase the difficulty of surgery. In addition, criteria need to be established to evaluate the efficacy of conversion therapy and subsequent treatment. Further clinical evidence in this area is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xuemei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
| | - Peipei Song
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wei Tang
- International Health Care Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
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Yang D, Du J, Nie W, Wang C, Ma Z. Combination treatment of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35713. [PMID: 37960807 PMCID: PMC10637514 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the therapeutic effects and toxic reactions of combining transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with sorafenib for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with macrovascular invasion (MVI). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 82 HCC patients with MVI, among whom 35 were treated with TACE plus IMRT alone, and 47 were treated with the combined therapy of TACE, IMRT, and sorafenib. The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were assessed. The baseline characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups (all P > .05). In the TACE plus IMRT plus sorafenib group, the median PFS was 17.2 months (95% confidence interval, 14.1-19.9), significantly longer than the 9.4 months (95% confidence interval, 6.8-11.2) observed in the TACE plus IMRT group (P < .001). Additionally, patients treated with the TACE plus IMRT plus sorafenib showed a longer median OS than those treated with TACE plus IMRT alone (24.1 vs 17.3 months; P < .001). The occurrence rates of grade 1 to 2 hand-foot syndrome, other skin reactions, diarrhea, and hair loss were higher in the TACE plus IMRT plus sorafenib group (all P < .05). There were no grade 4 or higher adverse events in either group. The combination of TACE plus IMRT with sorafenib provided substantial clinical benefits in the treatment of HCC patients with MVI, increasing the tumor response rate and prolonging both PFS and OS. This approach demonstrated a tolerable and manageable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, 3201 Hospital, Hanzhong, China
| | - Jiaojiao Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, 3201 Hospital, Hanzhong, China
| | - Weijie Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology, 3201 Hospital, Hanzhong, China
| | - Chaozhi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, 3201 Hospital, Hanzhong, China
| | - Zhufang Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, 3201 Hospital, Hanzhong, China
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Suresh D, Srinivas AN, Prashant A, Harikumar KB, Kumar DP. Therapeutic options in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive review. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1901-1916. [PMID: 36780119 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a chronic liver disease that is highly fatal if not detected and treated early. The incidence and death rate of HCC have been increasing in recent decades despite the measures taken for preventive screening and effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. The pathophysiology of HCC is multifactorial and highly complex owing to its molecular and immune heterogeneity, and thus the gap in knowledge still precludes making choices between viable therapeutic options and also the development of effective regimens. The treatment of HCC demands multidisciplinary approaches and primarily depends on tumor stage, hepatic functional reserve, and response to treatment by patients. Although curative treatments are limited but critical in the early stages of cancer, there are numerous palliative treatments available for patients with intermediate and advanced-stage HCC. In recent times, the use of combination therapy has succeeded over the use of monotherapy in the treatment of HCC by achieving effective tumor suppression, increasing survival rate, decreasing toxicity, and also aiding in overcoming drug resistance. This work focuses on reviewing the current and emerging treatment strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diwakar Suresh
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, SS Nagar, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Akshatha N Srinivas
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, SS Nagar, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Akila Prashant
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, SS Nagar, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, India
| | - Divya P Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, SS Nagar, Mysuru, 570015, India.
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Hamaya S, Oura K, Morishita A, Masaki T. Cisplatin in Liver Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10858. [PMID: 37446035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor and is often diagnosed at an unresectable advanced stage. Systemic chemotherapy as well as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) are used to treat advanced HCC. TACE and HAIC have long been the standard of care for patients with unresectable HCC but are limited to the treatment of intrahepatic lesions. Systemic chemotherapy with doxorubicin or chemohormonal therapy with tamoxifen have also been considered, but neither has demonstrated survival benefits. In the treatment of unresectable advanced HCC, cisplatin is administered transhepatic arterially for local treatment. Subsequently, for cisplatin-refractory cases due to drug resistance, a shift to systemic therapy with a different mechanism of action is expected to produce new antitumor effects. Cisplatin is also used for the treatment of liver tumors other than HCC. This review summarizes the action and resistance mechanism of cisplatin and describes the treatment of the major hepatobiliary cancers for which cisplatin is used as an anticancer agent, with a focus on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Hamaya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kita-gun 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kita-gun 761-0793, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kita-gun 761-0793, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kita-gun 761-0793, Japan
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Wang J, Wu R, Sun JY, Lei F, Tan H, Lu X. An overview: Management of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Trends 2022; 16:405-425. [PMID: 36476621 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2022.01109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has constituted a significant health burden worldwide, and patients with advanced HCC, which is stage C as defined by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, have a poor overall survival of 6-8 months. Studies have indicated the significant survival benefit of treatment based on sorafenib, lenvatinib, or atezolizumab-bevacizumab with reliable safety. In addition, the combination of two or more molecularly targeted therapies (first- plus second-line) has become a hot topic recently and is now being extensively investigated in patients with advanced HCC. In addition, a few biomarkers have been investigated and found to predict drug susceptibility and prognosis, which provides an opportunity to evaluate the clinical benefits of current therapies. In addition, many therapies other than tyrosine kinase inhibitors that might have additional survival benefits when combined with other therapeutic modalities, including immunotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, hepatectomy, and chemotherapy, have also been examined. This review provides an overview on the current understanding of disease management and summarizes current challenges with and future perspectives on advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Rui Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yu Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifei Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Huabing Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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